Event Highlights from Anime Los Angeles 2025
- 37 industry experts participated, including renowned voice actors Cassandra Lee Morris and Lizzie Freeman.
- Two maid cafés, Asayoru and Dreamland, featured exclusive performances and menu items by reservation.
- Issues arose due to miscommunication regarding photographer and prop regulations during the event.
Navigate the Convention
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Anime Los Angeles, proudly hosted in Long Beach, California. The event attracted an impressive array of 37 industry professionals, leading to vibrant discussions and networking opportunities with fans. Notable voice talents, including Cassandra Lee Morris, Lizzie Freeman, and Suzie Yeung, graced the convention as featured guests.
Returning were judges Sarah Spaceman, Aicosu, and Athel Artistry, who lent their expertise to the official Anime LA masquerade. Additionally, Keiichiro Maeno, an esteemed toy and figure designer known for his work with Gundam, attended all four days. Despite challenging weather conditions due to nearby wildfires, the convention proceeded smoothly, with Anime Los Angeles’s social media channels providing timely updates and guidance for attendees.
Inside Anime Los Angeles 2025
This year’s convention spotlighted two captivating maid cafés: Asayoru and Dreamland Maid Café, both of which hosted unique events featuring performances and menu selections. Asayoru, operating on Friday, required advance reservations from guests, offering a selection of combos that included complimentary Polaroid photos with the maids. Each hour featured enchanting performances that delighted attendees. Dreamland Maid Café, on Saturday, adopted a similar model, with patrons ordering from the menu at their tables, where refreshments, meals, and Polaroids were available separately. Limited-edition souvenir star cups accompanied drink purchases.
Both cafés captured the essence of authentic Japanese maid cafés, where visitors enjoyed personalized greetings and interactive experiences that included the maids chanting a magical spell, “moe moe kyun!”to enhance the dining experience. Asayoru has established a physical location in Monterey Park, California, while Dreamland plans to launch its first store in Orange County, California, in 2025.
Showcasing Creativity
The exhibit hall was alive with creativity as various vendors and artists showcased their unique offerings. Legumi and Melt & Fuze were among the notable exhibitors. Legumi, beginning as a hobbyist, transformed his passion for art into a professional venture, inspired by friends participating in smaller conventions. Since his debut show in 2017, he embraces the philosophy, “I’m here, I’m doing it, it’s fun!”
Meanwhile, Melt & Fuze specializes in handcrafted massage candles made with vegan ingredients and shea butter soap. During the pandemic lockdowns, the owner sought to create a special gift for her grandmother, which inspired her to blend her anime interests with artistic endeavors, resulting in unique, anime-inspired products.
Room for Growth
Despite the vibrant atmosphere, Anime Los Angeles also faced some challenges during the convention. A lack of clarity in communication between staff members and the convention center resulted in restrictions for photographers wishing to capture the event. Regulations prohibited not only large lighting equipment but also camera lenses exceeding 2 inches in length.
Furthermore, the policy regarding prop weapons created confusion, as some attendees were turned away even with clearly non-functional replicas. Thankfully, Anime Los Angeles’s social media channels addressed many of these concerns, yet photographers found it difficult to capture content effectively due to these additional hurdles.
Anime Los Angeles holds a cherished place in the hearts of many attendees. While areas for improvement exist, the personable and approachable nature of the staff sets a positive tone for the future. There’s a strong belief that the next Anime Los Angeles will strive for even greater excellence.
Stay updated on all Anime Los Angeles announcements and registration details by following their official Twitter account.
Leave a Reply